DHJ Quick Take

Gafford Avoids Injury Report: In a major boost for the frontcourt, Daniel Gafford is not expected to be listed on the injury report for Friday’s game against Orlando, despite a scary exit in Milwaukee with a shoulder stinger.

Marshall Returns, Washington Sidelined: Defensive standout Naji Marshall (15.5 PPG) is back from illness, though the Mavericks will still be without leading rebounder P.J. Washington (7.1 RPG), who remains out.

Bagley’s Spark: After a monster 26-point performance in the win over Portland, Marvin Bagley III participated in Thursday’s session and looks ready to anchor the paint alongside Gafford.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks held a shooting and lifting session Thursday morning at the BioSteel Practice Center. While the session was lighter than a full practice, it provided updates on a roster decimated by illness and injury over the final stretch of the season.

Naji Marshall, who has missed the last two contests due to illness, was back on the court and is expected to be available for Friday’s home game against the Orlando Magic. The forward is averaging 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 71 games this season. However, P.J. Washington remained sidelined with a similar illness and did not participate. Washington leads the team in rebounding at 7.1 per game while averaging 14.1 points across 52 starts.

Caleb Martin, who has missed the last eight games with a right plantar fascia strain, did some work Thursday. Marvin Bagley III participated despite his left shoulder impingement. Bagley is averaging 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in 18 games since joining Dallas and was last seen posting a season-high 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting to go along with 9 rebounds in the March 27 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The most significant news involves Daniel Gafford, who is not set to be listed on the injury report after exiting Tuesday’s 123-99 loss in Milwaukee. He was unable to finish the game after heading to the locker room with 2:52 left in the second quarter after suffering a right shoulder stinger.

Jason Kidd on Daniel Gafford: ‘That Means That He’s Hurt’

Head coach Jason Kidd didn’t mince words following the injury in Milwaukee.

“He didn’t come back, so that means that he’s hurt,” Kidd said Tuesday night.

Gafford’s absence would leave a massive void in the interior, especially with Dereck Lively II and Kyrie Irving already ruled out. Bagley (left shoulder impingement) participated on Thursday after missing the previous two games.

Cooper Flagg, who leads the team with 20.3 points and 1.2 steals per game across 64 starts, spoke to the importance of the veteran center.

“Gaff has gotten way better throughout the season,” Flagg said. “Now that he’s gotten back to being healthy, everybody’s seeing how he can impact the game at a high level. It’s tough to see him get banged up again. But he’s tough. I’m sure he’ll fight through it.”

Resilience in a ‘Hot’ Season

For Gafford, the physical pain of a shoulder stinger is just another chapter in a 24-52 season that has tested the team’s mental resolve. Speaking earlier this week, Gafford offered a poignant—if colorful—take on the Mavericks’ current state.

“We’ve been through hell,” Gafford said. “But I heard a quote today: when you’re going through hell, why stop there? You’ve got to keep pushing; you don’t want to stay there. It’s too hot down there.”

With only five games remaining in the 2025-26 campaign, the Mavericks are focused on building chemistry between Flagg and the returning rotation players, regardless of the standings.

The Mavericks host the Magic on Friday night at American Airlines Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. Official injury designations will be released Thursday evening.